Ken Kline is CEO and co-founder at VHC Brands, wholesaling premium home décor – think bedding, curtains, rugs and more. The business was founded in the 1980s and since 2015 has pivoted from using traditional sales channels into a B2B eCommerce operation with teams in the USA, India and China. In 2018 they achieved over $11m in revenue. We discuss all that PLUS the challenges of managing multiple marketplaces, why now isn't the right time for them to buidl a B2C eCommerce site, and much more.

When wholesale becomes marketplaces and B2B eCommerce with Ken Kline of VHC Brands

Trying to work out how to acquire more customers? 
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Or just looking for some reassurance you’re on the right track? 
That’s what the eCommerce MasterPlan is here for. 
Every week we interview an e-Commerce business person (owner, manager or marketer) with a fascinating insight into successful online retailing. 
Their business might be a UK mail order retailer, an online-only store from Australia, or a brick and clicks business from the USA – but every one of them is doing something we can all learn from. 
Many of our guests are using Shopify & Klaviyo, but we also have guests using Wix, Bigcommerce, Woocommerce, Omnisend and Magento. So you're sure to find an episode that directly helps YOU.

Listen for advice on what to do next, the reassurance you’re heading in the right direction and all the inspiration you need to grow your eCommerce business without losing your life in the process!

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Emily Hollender is a Fractional Marketing Director for Early-Stage Consumer Start-ups, especially those looking to build brand and community across both online and offline platforms.  Current and past clients include: Rent the Runway, The Wing, Tia, The Sill, and Modern Animal.  Hit PLAY to hear: Emily’s exciting eCommerce journey Why brands should leverage customer feedback in their marketing strategy What the critical role of community is in long-term growth How to gain organic growth through owned channels Ambassador programs and how to implement them Community engagement as an important business component 
 Key timestamps to dive straight in:  [04:25] How Emily ended up doing community marketing.  [08:02] Unlocking sustainable organic growth without paid media.  [10:51] Centering customer in decisions, creating two-way dialogue.  [13:59] Investing in ambassador program takes time, dedication.  [18:26] New technologies and community management softwares offer exciting possibilities for creating branded digital communities. Focus on program integrity before investing in tools.  [20:11] Find out how your customers are being motivated.  [22:46] Incorporate community into business strategy for success.  [23:54] Listen to Emily’s Top Tips!  Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline  Apply to join Chloe's Free eCommerce Club! >> https://ecmp.info/club Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://ecmp.infoLove the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode Q&A; on Spotify.Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsor 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

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Masterclass: Leveraging Community and Ambassadors for eCommerce Growth with Emily Hollender

Paul Sherratt is the founder and CEO of gloveglu, a global sports brand specialises in goalkeeper products and services.  Founded in 2010, they now sell via their Shopify store, marketplaces, and wholesale. In 2023, gloveglu sold to over 80 countries, growing at 45% year on year with annual sales on track for £2.5 million in total, with 20% via the eCommerce store.    Hit PLAY to hear: Paul’s eCommerce journey Founding gloveglu Expanding the business to cover eCommerce Growing their social media presence How a lean team of 5 works for the brand Staying focused and keeping things simple 
  Key timestamps to dive straight in:  [05:58] gloveglu idea stemmed from working with Ulsport.  [09:09] Shopify technology facilitates global b2b and b2c.  [12:29] Core products produced in-house, b2b distribution.  [14:43] Gloveglu offers grippy, wash, and refresh options.  [16:49] Soccer stores upsold Glove Group products effectively.  [20:14] Considering expansion in sporting niche market focus.  [23:00] Keeping it simple and focused.  [24:14] Listen to Paul’s Top Tips!  Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline  Apply to join Chloe's Free eCommerce Club! >> https://ecmp.info/club Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://ecmp.infoLove the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode Q&A; on Spotify.Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsor 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

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gloveglu’s Winning Strategy in Mastering Wholesale, D2C, and Marketplaces for Goalkeeper Gear

Yup, we're doing another multi-guest mashup! This time we're asking SEVEN eCommerce Tech specialists for their answer to this question:   "What is your top tip for Tech Stack Optimisation in 2024?"  Tech Stack Optimisation – but what’s that??! I hear you cry.  Well, it’s how you can get more out of your tech stack – from your website to your marketing tools, to your back end systems, to the tools you use behind the scenes to keep your team organised.  Our guests are:  Rachael Jones from Studio Rotate, James Gurd of Digital Juggler and the Re:Platform Podcast, Rachel Tonner from Klevu, Deepak Anand of SHOPLINE, İrem Işık from Storyly, Jodie Guichard of Brightpearl by Sage, And Chris McCarthy-Stott from PushON. 
Plus! You'll also hear the thoughts of our host Chloe Thomas.   Tune into this expert mash-up episode as we find out how to get more out of your tech stack this 2024 and save costs, save time, speed up project delivery and improvements. PLUS, improve customer experience for better customer retention and higher margins.  Find all the notes at https://ecmp.info/485 Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline  Apply to join Chloe's Free eCommerce Club! >> https://ecmp.info/club Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://ecmp.infoLove the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode Q&A; on Spotify.Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsor  Checkout the Upflip Podcast https://ecmp.info/upflip

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

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7 Top Tips for Tech Stack Optimisation in 2024

Kate Doran is the founder of Flotsam Flo. An upcycled accessories brand founded in 2021 who create products from waste that cannot easily be recycled, or is impossible to recycle.  Selling via the Shopify site, taking bespoke and corporate orders and recently diversifying into workshops. They’ve even got 14 bins located around Cornwall to collect their raw materials.    Hit PLAY to hear: Kate’s eCommerce journey and inspiration The founding of Flotsam Flo How community engagement and sustainability intersect Expanding beyond eCommerce 
  Key timestamps to dive straight in:  [04:00] Graphic design degree taught to see differently.  [06:19] Seizing opportunities after brain hemorrhage realization.  [09:29] Upcycling items into new products with purpose.  [15:18] Reusing waste for sustainable gifts and workshops.  [16:11] Teaching sewing, reducing plastic waste, empowering others.  [19:42] Kate’s Top Tips!  Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline  Apply to join Chloe's Free eCommerce Club! >> https://ecmp.info/club Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://ecmp.infoLove the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode Q&A; on Spotify.Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsor 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

How Circular Fashion Accessories Brand Flotsam Flo are growing sales with Creativity & Community

Sarah Whale is a B Leader (that’s someone certified to help other businesses become B Corps) and founder of Profit Impact where she helps many businesses create a thriving future.  She's joining us to discuss the BEST bit about being a B Corp - the long term impact it has on your business performance.  Hit PLAY to hear: Sarah’s B Corp journey Why businesses need to work on continuous improvement  What B Corp recertification entails Post-certification work for businesses The importance of governance and stakeholder engagement 
  Key timestamps to dive straight in:  [04:54] B Corp recertification includes review and reverification.  [07:49] Evolving standards, global changes call for action.  [10:19] Annual report publication focused on people, planet, profit.  [13:34] Rethinking business purpose and choices for impact.  [16:52] Emphasizing governance as essential for business success.  [19:36] Sarah’s Top Tips!  Find the notes here: https://ecmp.info/483 Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline  Find the tech to solve your challenges at eCommerce Tech >> https://ecmp.info/tech Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://ecmp.infoLove the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode Q&A; on Spotify.Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsor 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: 

Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

When wholesale becomes marketplaces and B2B eCommerce with Ken Kline of VHC Brands

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